Thanksgiving, Macy’s Parade, NFL action: 5 things to know Thursday

Goku from “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” is one of the new balloons that will appear at the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 22.(Photo: Eugene Gologursky, Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.)

The board of Nissan Motor Co. voted unanimously to formally dismiss Carlos Ghosn as the Japanese automaker’s chairman Thursday after an internal probe found he allegedly falsified reports “over many years.” Ghosn was arrested Monday after the investigation – based on a whistleblower report – said he underreported his salary and committed other financial violations including the personal use of company assets, the firm and Japanese state media said. Brazilian-born Ghosn, 64, is a huge figure in the global auto industry. He was an early advocate for electric cars, autonomous and driverless vehicles, and for integrating communication capabilities with smartphone technology for the “connected car.”

92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off holiday season

For all you early birds: Macy’s annual Turkey Day parade will showcase big balloons, stars and pageantry, starting at 9 a.m. ET. The lineup features 16 giant balloons; 43 novelty balloons; heritage balloons; balloonicles and trycallons (hybrid balloons and vehicles); and balloonheads (hybrid costume characters). Some of the new characters blowing hot air include Saiyan warrior Goku from “Dragon Ball Super: Brody.” You’ll still be able to see some old favorites, such as Charlie Brown, The Grinch and the Pillsbury Doughboy. Look out for the new floats, including Elf Pets by The Elf on the Shelf. The TODAY Show’s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host the three-hour broadcast on NBC.

Are you ready for some Thanksgiving football?

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than good food, good company, and of course the National Football League. Three games between division rivals will provide your friends and family with entertainment all day long, starting with the NFC North leading Chicago Bears vs. the Detroit Lions (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS). Next up is one of the most storied rivalries in football as backup QB Colt McCoy and the Washington Redskins take on the Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX). Last but certainly not least, the day’s action ends in New Orleans. Trying to get their season back on track, the Atlanta Falcons desperately need a win vs. the Saints (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). Before the games begin, make sure to check out the current playoff picture and our updated NFL power rankings!